Evaluation of the hepatoprotective effect of Zea mays beards in Rattus norvegicus

<p>The aim of this study is to contribute to the management of drug-induced hepatitis through the valorization of <em>Zea mays</em> beards. The aqueous extract of <em>Zea </em>mays beards was obtained by decoction. Secondary metabolites were searched for by the colorimetric method and minerals were searched for by the calcination – mineralization method. The study of the acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of <em>Zea mays</em> beards was conducted orally, following the OECD Guideline 423. Hepatotoxicity was induced by gavage with paracetamol 1000 mg on 7 days. The results of the study indicate that the aqueous extract of <em>Zea mays</em> beards contains secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, saponins, polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, quinones and minerals including chromium, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and copper. The aqueous extract of <em>Zea mays</em> beards is not toxic orally up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight and corrected abnormally high levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. This normalization of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels would be linked to the flavonoids and zinc present in said extract. This study reveals the hepatoprotective effect of the aqueous extract of <em>Zea m</em>ays beards.</p> <p>published by the  <a href="https://innspub.net/international-journal-of-biosciences/"><strong>International Journal of Biosciences (IJB)</strong></a></p>